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Phone: 905-918-3560
FAX: 905-237-7744
info@atlaspharmacy.ca
QUALITY MEDICAL CARE
At Atlas Pharmacy, our pharmacists are here to help you feel better, faster. Starting October 1, 2023, we can prescribe medications for a variety of minor ailments, so you don’t have to wait for relief. Whether it’s nasal allergies, skin conditions, or even menstrual cramps, our trusted team is ready to provide the care you need—all you need is your Ontario health card. Visit us today for expert advice and personalized treatment
CONDITIONS INCLUDE:
ALLERGIES
(Allergic Rhinitis)
Symptoms include - Sneezing - Stuffy nose or runny nose - Itchy nose, eye, or throat - Typically, more than 7 days of continuous symptoms
ORAL THRUSH
Symptoms include - White or creamy-white spots / patches on the lips, inside of mouth, tongue and / or the roof of the mouth - Cottage cheese-like appearance - Patches can be scraped off - Dry mouth and / or loss of taste
PINK EYE
(Conjunctivitis)
Symptoms include - Eye redness and difficulty opening eyes in the morning - Appearance of sticky or watery fluids from the eye - Mild scratching, itching, or burning sensation - Bright lights hurt your eyes
DERMATITIS
​(Atopic, Eczema)
Symptoms include - Dry, red, and itchy skin - Cracked and oozed blisters - Darker or lighter patches of skin - Scaly and patchy skin
MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
Symptoms include - Pain and cramps in the lower abdominal area - Pain in the lower back and starting a few hours before onset of a period - Pain can last a few hours to days
ACID REFLUX
Symptoms include - Burping / stomach acid rise from the stomach into the mouth - Burning feeling in the stomach or lower chest rising to the neck - Trouble getting a good night's sleep because of heartburn - Pain in the middle of the upper stomach area
HEMORRHOIDS
Symptoms include - Itching, burning or swollen (with or without pain) around the anal / rectum area - Bright red blood during / after bowel movement - Constipation and difficulty in having a bowel movement - Presence of a lump in the anal / rectum area
COLD SORES
Symptoms include Rash or bump around border of the lip - Presence of clear, sticky fluid around the rash - Itching, tingling, or burning may lead to the rash - Redness or inflamed skin around the rash
IMPETIGO
Symptoms include - Bump that changes into a blister surrounded by rash - Yellow discharge that dries to form a "golden" or "honey-colored" crust - Can affect face, arms or legs
UTI's
(Urinary Tract Infections)
Symptoms include - Frequent urination, pain while urinating and difficulty holding in urine - Pain in lower abdomen and a small amount of blood in the urine - Absence of vaginal discharge - Cloudy or foul-smelling urine NOTE: Pharmacists can only assess and prescribe for Females.
INSECT BITES AND HIVES
Symptoms include - Small bump or blister. May feel pain, itching, redness or swelling. - Feeling of a sharp burning pain which can sting
VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION
Symptoms include - Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance - Itching, burning and pain during urination and/or sexual intercourse - Rash and redness of vaginal area
TICK BITES
(Prevention of Lyme Disease)
Symptoms include - Tick bite by black-legged tick - A red lump present, but swelling, blistering, bruising, itching or other infections may develop - Mild allergic reaction (hives, rash, and light swelling at the bite site)
MORNING SICKNESS
Symptoms include - Nausea or vomiting at any time of the day due to pregnancy - Not able to keep food or drink down for more than 12 hours
MUSCLE ACHES AND PAIN
Symptoms include - Pain, swelling or tenderness (light to medium) - or bruising - Limited motion and muscle weakness - Injury is associated with overworking or muscle / joint injured
ACNE
(Mild)
Symptoms include - Presence of whiteheads and blackheads - Small red bumps and pimples with pus - Less than 30 total bumps/pimples and not all are inflamed (red in appearance)
DIAPER RASH
(Diaper Dermatitis)
Symptoms include - Rashes and redness around the diaper area of babies and toddlers for more than 3 days. - Pain and crying while urinating, diaper changes and during defecating. - Can affect the sleep pattern
CANKER SORES
(Oral Aphthous Ulcer)
Symptoms include - Painful and shallow White- or cream-coloured ulcers with a raised red border that are round or oval - Presence of ulcers inside cheeks, lips, sides of tongue, roof, and floor of the mouth - Less than 1cm in diameter
THREADWORM/PINWORM
Symptoms include - Detection of worms in stool or near anus - Anal itching, especially at night - Restless sleep - There may be itching in your vaginal area if adult worms move there - Feeling irritable and having trouble concentrating - Abdominal pain that comes and goes
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What is a Minor Ailment?Minor illnesses are defined as health conditions that can typically be managed with minimal treatment or self-care strategies. Key characteristics include: Generally short-term in nature Typically do not require lab testing Low likelihood of treatment concealing an underlying condition No significant medication or medical history concerns indicating a more serious issue Require only minimal or short-term follow-up care
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How Can My Pharmacist Help With a Minor Ailment?Pharmacists, as guided by the Ontario College of Pharmacists, can assess specific minor conditions and prescribe prescription-level medications when necessary, rather than recommending milder over-the-counter treatments.
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Do I Need an Appointment?No, you don’t need an appointment to speak with your pharmacist. As long as our store is open, you can consult with the pharmacist at your convenience. We’re always accessible and ready to assist you. Simply call us or visit us.
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Do I Have to Pay for an Assessment and Prescription for Minor Ailments?Ontario's Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the assessment and prescribing for minor illnesses. However, while the assessment and act of prescribing are covered, you are responsible for the cost of any prescribed medications or treatments. To access this service, you must have a valid Ontario Health Number.
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Will a Minor Ailments Assessment Always Result in a Prescription?After assessing a patient, the pharmacist works with them to determine the most appropriate course of action. This may involve issuing a prescription or recommending an over-the-counter medication. If the pharmacist determines that the condition is more serious or requires further evaluation, they will refer the patient to a doctor for additional assessment.
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Will My Doctor Be Informed?Yes, pharmacists are required to notify your primary physician whenever they issue a prescription for you.
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What If I Do Not Have a Doctor, Can a Pharmacist Still Prescribe for Minor Ailments?Yes. If the Condition and Treatment Required Are Within Pharmacists' Prescribing Limits, You May Still Receive Treatment Even if You Do Not Have a Doctor. This Service Is Intended to Improve Access to Health Care.
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What Happens If My Minor Ailment Turns Out to Be More Serious?If your condition worsens or you don’t see improvement with the medication prescribed by your pharmacist, they will refer you to your doctor for further diagnosis. Pharmacists are trained to identify when an illness requires additional assessment and care beyond their scope.